Honouring Dr. Sultan Al-Ameemi and Actor Saeed Salem among Gulf creatives

UAE, October 13, 2025: His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, participated on behalf of H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, in the 29th meeting of Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the Ministers of Culture of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, hosted in Kuwait. The meeting addressed ways to strengthen cultural cooperation among GCC countries and exchange expertise in the fields of creativity, arts, and heritage.
His Excellency Al Nakhi affirmed that the meeting strengthens the course of joint cultural work and opens new horizons for initiatives that unite efforts to preserve heritage and develop cultural and creative industries, thereby reinforcing the status of Gulf culture on the regional and global stage.
His Excellency added that culture represents a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development. He noted that the United Arab Emirates attaches great importance to supporting and empowering creatives, highlighting their role in strengthening national identity and fostering cultural dialogue among GCC countries.
On the sidelines of the meeting, an elite group of distinguished Gulf creatives was honoured in recognition of their contributions, which have significantly enriched the cultural scene through innovative initiatives and artistic and literary accomplishments. Among those recognised were two notable Emirati figures - Dr. Sultan Al-Ameemi, Chairman of the UAE Writers Union, who was recognised in the categories of Literature, Poetry, and Heritage; and Actor Saeed Salem, who was honored in the Performing Arts category.

Dr. Sultan Al-Ameemi is a distinguished literary figure whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the UAE’s cultural landscape. His notable works include ‘One Room is Not Enough’, a novel that was longlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (the Arabic Booker) in 2017.
He has also published many critical studies and specialised dictionaries on ‘Nabati’ and Emirati poetry, contributing immensely to documenting and preserving the UAE’s literary and poetic heritage. Holding a PhD in Semiotics and the Philosophy of Literature and Arts, Dr. Al-Ameemi bridges academic research, literary creativity, and cultural leadership.

As for Saeed Salem, he is one of the UAE’s most prominent actors with a distinguished career that has significantly shaped the local and Gulf arts scene. He began his artistic path at a young age, participating in folk art troupes and theatre before moving into television and cinema. He has played major roles in several Gulf series and productions, and has participated in Emirati theatrical plays and films.

-Ends-